After 70 years listed as Missing in Action and presumed dead in the Korean War, Valatie soldier Clifford Johnson (center, r) has finally been brought home. A funeral service was conducted at the Bond Funeral Home in Valatie, and Kinderhook Town Supervisor Patsy Leader presented the family members in attendance with a proclamation declaring May 20 Clifford S. Johnson Day. The Patriot Guard Riders acted as color guard and were pallbearers at Bond. The hearse was then escorted to the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville by county Sheriff’s Office vehicles and motorcyclists. As the caravan moved through the Village of Valatie residents came the curb and waved. At the cemetery a formal military service was performed with gun salute, taps and a helicopter flyover. At the Saratoga National Cemetery Army pallbearers retrieved the casket from the hearse and the folded flag was presented to members of Clifford Johnson’s family. Photo by David Lee
